Emmy the Great on a Hong Kong 'dreamed by its people'

My cousin told me that some parents have stopped sending their kids to school, though he hypothesised that it's just because they're too lazy to get stuck in traffic. The overwhelming opinion is in favour of the protestors, though some are worried about the protests affecting business, especially those whose work is in the demonstration area.

Despite the support, few dare to dream of success. A professor friend told me: "The pace of democracy is painfully slow. One step forward, ten steps retreat."

China's position is also unenviable. If President Xi is seen to allow protests in Hong Kong, it may spark student protests in other reaches of the country, or even Tibet or Mongolia. If it is seen to be reneging on one country, two systems, this will affect its only chance to unite with Taiwan.

I was five years old when the Tiananmen Square massacre happened, but I remember its impact, and people wearing black ribbons in honour of the students who died. I think, as the closest place to China to have seen uncensored news footage, Hong Kong has a special responsibility to ensure nothing like that will happen again.

For this reason I was extra shocked by reports of tear gas being used by police against the unarmed demonstrators; it was another sign that we need to be constantly reminded of each other's humanity, and for this I thank the peaceful members of the Umbrella Revolution.

In a city of plentiful luxuries, they have shown that Hong Kong people know the difference between a luxury and a right.

Emma-Lee, known by her stage name Emmy the Great, is a musician and culture writer. Follow Emmy the Great on Twitter

View original post here:
Emmy the Great on a Hong Kong 'dreamed by its people'